Formed in 1999, Klez are Chris Haigh (fiddle), Philip Clouts (piano/accordion) and Alex Keen (double bass). They are all experienced professional musicians with a wide experience of playing folk and ethnic music to jazz and swing.
Fresh Approach
Klez take a fresh and invigorating approach to Jewish traditional music, borrowing from many styles to make it as interesting, lively and enjoyable as possible.They perform for both private functions (weddings, parties, bar and bat mitzvahs) and public performances (theatres, arts centres, festivals and so on).
If required the band can be augmented by other instruments (clarinet, drums, guitar), a singer (Jewish, jazz and covers) and a caller to lead Jewish dancing. The band can provide music for any or all of the celebration- ceremony, reception, dinner and dancing.
Unique Versatility
Klez are unique in being able to offer Jewish/Scottish and Jewish/Irish wedding music and dancing. If requested we can combine Jewish dancing and music with Scottish or Irish Ceilidh music, and we have a caller who can lead dances in both styles. We are also happy to mix in other genres of music- French, Latin, East European, Gypsy, jazz, light classical and so on.
Chris Haigh - Fiddle
Chris Haigh is a London-based fiddle player who specialises in Klezmer, gypsy and East European styles. Tziganarama is Chris's own trio, playing a wide range of Jewish, Russian, Balkan and gypsy music, whilst The Kremlinaires is Chris's wacky 7-piece Soviet Swing band. Chris sometimes plays solo or as a duo with accordion, going "around the tables" at a dinner.
He gives workshops on klezmer fiddle style, demonstrating techniques and ornamentation, describing the different tunes types and scales used in klezmer. He writes original klezmer melodies; his tune "Klezmania" was used on a worldwide TV ad for Nike! He has written three books on fiddle playing, including “The Fiddle handbook”.
Philip Clouts - Piano and Accordion
Philip Clouts plays piano and accordion. is involved with many world music and jazz projects. He is a founder member, composer and keyboard player in worldbeat music band Zubop, and its latest incarnation ZubopGambia. Philip has released 5 CDs and toured extensively in the UK and Europe, including performances at Ronnie Scotts, Symphony Hall, and Glastonbury and WOMAD festivals.
Alex Keen - Double Bass
Alex Keen works regularly on the jazz scene with names such as guitarist Jim Mullen, saxophonists Tim Whitehead and Theo Travis, and organist Mike Carr.
We wanted to say a big thank you for all you did to make our wedding celebrations so enjoyable. The music you played throughout the day was excellent and we received very positive feedback from our guests who were amazed by your skill and versatility. The Irish-Israeli music, in particular, was a big hit with our families and it proved to be a great ice-breaker! Please pass on our sincere thanks to everyone who joined you on the day.
Dermot and Emma
Covering the whole spectrum of emotions in a way that was wonderfully unrestricted, I found the music uplifting, melancholy, haunting and passionate. Their musical performance was truly impressive. Relevant stories and a touch of humour created a personal touch that flowed with easy style Klez created an air of festivity and celebration Totally professional and seemed easy-going... obviously had rapport with the audience
Chris Stewart
Dear Chris, 
We all loved you. You were the first 'item' of the wedding that I booked after the venue and I knew right from the start that you would do the business just as I wanted. Many, many thanks.
Lynette
General Information:
Name: Klez
Location: London
Main Category: Ceilidh Bands, Barn Dances & Folk
Other Categories: Bands, Live Music, Party Bands, Traditional Music, Wedding Bands, Wedding Music
Lineups/Options:
3 Piece Band (default): Fiddle, Piano/Accordion, Double-Bass
Timings:
Standard Set Times: 2 x 60 minute sets
Space Required (w x d):
3 Piece Band (default): 4.0m x 3.0m